Saturday Farmers Market opens April 2; new Wednesday market April 13

The Peachtree Road Farmers Market begins its 10th season Saturday, April 2, at 8:30 a.m. at The Cathedral of St. Philip. The market is promising a bigger and better year in 2016 with the addition of a second weekly market on Wednesday evenings beginning April 13.

Peachtree Road Farmers Market is the largest producer-only farmers market in Georgia, meaning that everything at the market has been grown, raised, or made by the seller, ensuring fair prices for both the vendors and the consumers.

The market takes place at The Cathedral of St. Philip parking lot, 2744 Peachtree Road, on Saturday mornings beginning April 2nd, rain or shine, and runs until Dec. 17.

The new Wednesday evening market will be open 4:30-8 p.m. from its opening day April 13 through Oct. 26. The farmers market will celebrate its anniversary during the Saturday market on April 16, along with naming the winners of the art competition for the design of the 2016 free shopping bag sponsored by COUNTRY Financial.

On Saturdays the market has more than 35 chef demonstrations scheduled for this season and 50 weekly vendors. “Each week brings new produce, vendors, events, live music and fun!” said Market Manager Lauren Carey.

Cathedral of St. Philip Vicar George Maxwell rings the bell to open the 2015 market after offering a blessing.

“Wednesday evenings, guests can buy farm-to-table fresh meals to enjoy at the market or take home. Live Music, chef pop-ups and local breweries make it the perfect evening,” Carey added.

Talking about the Wednesday evening market, Carey invited Atlantans to “Take a break from cooking with food and drink from familiar Saturday market vendors, new vendors, and a rotating pop-up schedule of Atlanta’s favorite chefs. Food will be available to-go or for dining at outdoor picnic tables on site.”

While some vendors have the ability to accept credit cards, cash is still king at the farmers market. Carey added, “PRFM is a Wholesome Wave market and we accept and double SNAP (EBT/food stamps).”

When the weather is not too hot, well behaved dogs are welcome. Poop bags are required.

“Please keep in mind the market has lots of children, food smells and other dogs so please make sure it is an experience your dog can enjoy,” Carey

explained. “Dogs who jump, growl or snap at people or dogs will be asked to leave the market.”

It is an outdoor market most weeks during the year, so free water and sunscreen can be found at the Information Tent. Bathrooms can be found inside The Cathedral of St. Philip. There is green space for picnicking and two playgrounds for younger children to enjoy.

Since its founding in 2007 by The Cathedral of St. Philip in partnership with Atlanta Chef Linton Hopkins and his wife Gina, the Peachtree Road Farmers Market (PRFM) leadership saw that

Market shoppers turned out in droves to get their pick of the first vegetable yields of the season on opening day in 2015.

Atlanta demanded farm-fresh produce, meats, and dairy, and the community supported their solution with open arms and shopping baskets.

The market founders gathered together a network of producers supported by the Hopkins’ Restaurant Eugene. Farmers, artists, and prepared food vendors were also brought together by The Cathedral, which also provided space, financial support, and the beginnings of PRFM’s strong volunteer base led by a professional manager.

At the close of the 2014 season, the Hopkins’ stepped out of their managing role as the market had grown into a self-sustaining success during its past seven years. They continue to support PRFM through their restaurants and enjoy it as a family.

Peachtree Road Farmers Market continues as a nonprofit organization housed at The Cathedral and on March 12 bought all the fruit trees and berry bushes left after the annual Atlanta Local Food Initiative Fruit Tree Sale and distributed them to the market’s farmers to grow more fruit for market shoppers.

“We purchased over a hundred fruit trees and hundreds of fruiting bushes through this program, and we’d love to do it again,” Carey said. “Help us with a donation to support the Peachtree Road Farmers Market at the Cathedral Donation website. Scroll down and select ‘Farmers Market.’” Click here to access the donation site.